Writing your personal statement

We operate an anonymised application process in order to recruit excellent students from all walks
of life and reduce the gap in representation, experience, progression and reward between those
with and without protected characteristics.

Do not include any personal details in your statement (e.g names).

Use this structure to create at least three good paragraphs in your personal statement.

Statements must be no more than 500 words.

1. Why are you interested in the SoCoBio DTP programme?

 How will the SoCoBio research training contribute to your career goals and long-term
ambitions?
 Explain why you would be a good addition to the research community at SoCoBio.

2. Why do you consider yourself a good fit to the SoCoBio programme and undertaking a
PhD?
 Describe your motivations and how your previous experience, academic, professional or in
other fields has equipped you for a biosciences research degree and specifically your
SoCoBio project preferences. For example, evidence qualifications and/or additional
relevant research experience through placements or work.
 We welcome students from a broad range of science-related backgrounds so tell us about
your relevant experiences which may include your degree, research projects or work
experience. How did these give you the transferable skills which make you a suitable
candidate for this research degree.
 Other than your qualifications what qualities do you feel a good PhD candidate needs? How
does your current skill set make you a good fit for undertaking a PhD with SoCoBio? Use an
example of any personal challenges you have faced during your professional or academic
experience, and how you have overcome or adapted to this.

3. Why should you be offered a studentship with SoCoBio?

This is where you get to mention some of the great things you have on your CV. Please note: CV’s
will not be considered by the selection panel.

 Demonstrate the skills, interests and motivation that make you a strong candidate for a
research degree. Include transferable skills from your academic, professional and personal
experiences.
 Demonstrate the research you’ve done into doing a PhD, and into this programme. For
example, mention that you’ve spoken to existing PhD students about their experiences, or
spoken to supervisors of projects you are interested in.

Website: https://southcoastbiosciencesdtp.ac.uk/
 Use your personal statement to show how becoming a really effective researcher with
excellent transferable skills is important to you.
 Use enthusiastic and active language (‘developed’, ‘created’, ‘initiated’, ‘learned’) in your
statement.
 In the project proposals on the SoCoBio website, supervisory teams have identified specific
qualities that candidates interested in their projects should have. Try to tie your personal
statement to these specific qualities by using examples from your research experience that
demonstrates such qualities. Research experience can be from your degree, a job or other
work experience.

Website: https://southcoastbiosciencesdtp.ac.uk/